Spiked Holiday Nog & Cherished Christmas Favorites: Festive Drinks, Family Traditions & More!

‘Tis the season for joy, reflection, and embracing all the wonderful moments that only the holidays can bring. As the real countdown to Christmas Day officially begins, with less than a week separating us from the magic, I find myself in a delightful whirlwind of emotions. Are you feeling ready, excited, perhaps a little tired, delightfully stressed with preparations, or simply relaxed and enjoying every single moment? If you’re like me, you’re probably experiencing a beautiful blend of all the above, and that, my friends, is perfectly normal as we navigate the festive hustle and bustle.

Today, I wanted to open up my heart and share one of my absolute favorite holiday beverages: my easy, delightful Spiked Holiday Nog. While it’s not the intricate, traditional, from-scratch eggnog that many cherish (though I do appreciate a fine homemade glass!), this version is what I affectionately call a “cheater” nog. It’s lighter, less complicated, and designed to whisk away any lingering holiday stress, leaving you feeling warm, fuzzy, and utterly festive. It’s the perfect companion for those cherished holiday activities, like carefully addressing Christmas cards, meticulously wrapping gifts for loved ones, or adding the final touches to your beautifully trimmed tree. Imagine putting on your favorite Christmas music, pouring yourself a glass of this creamy, spiced concoction, and letting the holiday spirit wash over you, turning mundane tasks into joyful rituals.

Beyond the cozy confines of your home, this Spiked Holiday Nog is also ideal for taking on a leisurely walk through your neighborhood. Picture yourself strolling along, mug in hand, admiring the twinkling Christmas lights that adorn every home – a truly magical experience that brings a sense of childlike wonder. And, of course, a festive glass on Christmas morning, while gathered around the tree opening gifts with family, adds an extra layer of sparkle to the joyous occasion. It’s a simple pleasure that enhances the holiday atmosphere without requiring hours in the kitchen, allowing you more time to be present with your loved ones.

Crafting Your Perfect Spiked Holiday Nog: An Easy & Delicious Recipe

This post isn’t sponsored by any brand, but I must confess my annual tradition of grabbing Silk Holiday Nog from the store the moment it appears on shelves. It forms the perfect, creamy base for my festive concoction, offering a wonderfully smooth texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with spices. To elevate its flavor and warmth, I simply add a generous shot of spiced rum – Sailor Jerry or Captain Morgan are usually my go-to choices for their rich, aromatic notes that bring a comforting kick. A dash of ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg complete this quick and easy holiday treat, adding layers of traditional festive aroma. You can serve it as you prefer, but I often enjoy it over ice for a beautifully chilled sip that feels both refreshing and cozy. The preparation process couldn’t be simpler: combine your nog, rum, and ice in a glass, give it a good shake to blend the flavors and ensure it’s perfectly chilled, and then finish with a delightful dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s incredibly adaptable too! For the younger members of the family, or those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the rum. My kids adore their spiced-up nog, finding pure delight in the festive flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a delicious treat for everyone.

This little guy truly embraces his non-spiked Holiday Nog, and watching him enjoy it fills my heart with immense joy. It’s these small, shared moments of festive delight that truly make the holiday season special and memorable for our family.

Cheers to simple pleasures, festive sips, and cherished memories that make the holidays truly magical!

So, now you know the secret to my favorite festive drink of the season – a delightful and easy Spiked Holiday Nog. But the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there. As we delve deeper into this magical time of year, I thought it would be wonderful to share a few more of my holiday favorites, traditions, and memories that truly make this season unforgettable for me and my family. These are the things that bring me immense comfort, joy, and a deep sense of connection during Christmas, shaping our family’s unique holiday narrative.

Unwrapping My Most Cherished Holiday Favorites & Family Traditions

Favorite Holiday Meal: A Feast for the Senses

Without a doubt, my favorite holiday meal is our Christmas Eve Dinner, specifically the cherished tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This Italian-American custom is a true highlight of our year, bringing together generations for an elaborate and delicious spread that symbolizes abundance and family togetherness. Among the many delectable dishes, one stands out as my absolute favorite: the Sicilian Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs and Anchovies. Oh, how I adore this pasta! Its savory, rich flavors are incredibly comforting and transport me back to my childhood, evoking countless memories of family dinners. My family truly dedicates itself to some serious feasting on Christmas Eve, a joyous occasion filled with laughter, storytelling, and an abundance of incredible food that nourishes both body and soul.

And when our entire family gathers on Christmas Day, the feasting continues with equal enthusiasm! Our traditional Christmas lasagna takes center stage, a masterpiece crafted with layers of creamy ricotta, rich homemade tomato sauce, savory seasoned ground beef, tender green peas, and even hard-boiled eggs – a unique touch that makes it truly special and unmistakably ours. And, of course, there’s plenty of cheese, glorious cheese, binding it all together in a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s my all-time favorite lasagna, a recipe I truly need to share with you all eventually, as it embodies the warmth, comfort, and enduring tradition of our family holidays.

Favorite Tradition: The Magic of Twinkling Lights

I am an undeniably massive fan of Christmas lights. My husband playfully refers to Christmas lights as “my Super Bowl,” and he’s not wrong! There’s something utterly magical about them – the way they transform ordinary streets into dazzling winter wonderlands, sparking a sense of childlike awe and joy in everyone who beholds them. Our family tradition involves driving around different neighborhoods, slowly cruising to admire the intricate displays and creative illuminations that homeowners meticulously craft. We also take immense pleasure in stringing lights on our own yard, adding our personal touch to the festive glow and contributing to the neighborhood’s enchantment. This year, for the very first time, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios. It was beyond magnificent! The sheer scale and beauty of the synchronized light show, with millions of lights dancing to music, were breathtaking, a truly immersive experience that filled me with so much happiness and wonder. Christmas lights, in all their forms, simply make my heart sing and remind me of the beauty of the season.

Favorite Holiday Scent: A Whiff of Nostalgia

Scents have an extraordinary power to transport us back in time, instantly unlocking forgotten memories and emotions. For me, the Yankee Candle Cherries On Snow candle does exactly that. The first time I encountered this scent in a store a few years ago, I was instantly enveloped in a wave of cherished childhood memories. There’s something about the unique blend of sweet, tart cherries and warm, subtle almond notes that is deeply nostalgic, evoking feelings of warmth and simpler times spent with family. It’s a scent I absolutely adore and find myself burning constantly throughout the holiday season, filling our home with its comforting aroma. Of course, my home is also filled with other delightful seasonal fragrances from Yankee Candle, including the crisp and invigorating Cranberry Peppermint, the comforting, earthy forest notes of Balsam & Cedar, and the pristine, crisp fragrance of White Christmas. Each candle adds its own special layer to the festive ambiance, creating a sensory experience that defines the holidays.

Favorite Gift (So Far This Year): A Living Legacy

Among the many wonderful things that make the holidays special, one particular early Christmas gift this year truly warmed my heart in an unexpected way. My beloved grandpa visited me the other day, bringing with him a surprise that instantly brought a huge smile to my face: a fig tree! This gift holds immense sentimental value for me, representing so much more than just a plant. Growing up, some of my fondest memories involve picking and eating fresh, sweet figs straight from my grandpa’s thriving trees in his backyard. Now, to have my very own fig tree, a living piece of my family’s legacy and a promise of future harvests right in my own garden, fills me with unparalleled happiness and gratitude. It’s a beautiful, enduring reminder of family roots, continuity, and the simple joys of nature that connect generations.

Favorite Holiday Album: The Soundtrack of Christmas

When it comes to holiday music, there’s one album that reigns supreme and has become an indispensable part of my Christmas experience: Harry Connick Jr – Harry For The Holidays. I listen to this album without fail, every single year, from the moment Thanksgiving passes until the new year. Interestingly, I wasn’t always a dedicated Harry Connick Jr. fan, but the year this album was released, I happened to be watching the Today Show where he was promoting it. His undeniable charm and the captivating snippets of his jazzy holiday renditions were so enchanting that I immediately knew I had to own it. And I have been listening to it religiously ever since! For me, Christmas simply isn’t complete unless the soulful, classic sounds of this album are playing in the background, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. It truly sets the perfect festive mood. Of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack also holds a very special place high up on my list, a timeless classic that evokes pure holiday nostalgia and reminds us of the true meaning of the season.

Favorite Movie(s): Cinematic Comfort for the Season

When thoughts turn to holiday films, Elf and A Charlie Brown Christmas are the first two cinematic gems that instantly spring to mind, each offering a distinct but equally cherished holiday experience. Elf brings infectious laughter and a heartwarming message about embracing the spirit of Christmas, no matter how old you are, reminding us to always find our inner child. A Charlie Brown Christmas, on the other hand, is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the true meaning of the season with its poignant simplicity and iconic soundtrack, making it a must-watch every year. I’m also a complete sucker for all the classic cartoon Christmas specials – the heartwarming tales of Frosty the Snowman, the inspiring journey of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and yes, even the Yogi Bear Christmas special that I used to eagerly seek out in the TV guide as a child, completely obsessed with Mr. Yogi’s holiday antics! The Polar Express holds a particularly special spot in my heart because it vividly reminds me of my oldest son’s younger years, when it seemed to be on a continuous loop in our house, playing 24/7/365. It’s been a while since we’ve watched it, but the memories are as fresh and magical as ever. There are so many incredible holiday movies out there that bring comfort and joy to our screens. What are some of your ultimate favorite holiday movies that you can’t go through the season without watching?

Favorite Decor: The Heart of Our Home, Our Christmas Tree

Perhaps my most cherished piece of holiday decor, the one that truly anchors our festive home, is our magnificent Christmas tree. This tree has been a constant, beloved presence in our home since my oldest son’s very first Christmas, making it a beloved 10-year-old fixture. Each year, as we meticulously adorn its branches, it transforms into a beautiful tapestry of family memories and milestones. It’s filled to the brim with so many special ornaments: numerous handmade creations from their preschool years, whimsical depictions of favorite Disney characters (we have the entire cast of Cars and Sesame Street playfully scattered throughout!), and, of course, all the more recent treasures crafted with school pictures, tiny handprints, sparkling beads, and other heartfelt mementos. Every single ornament tells a story, a captured moment in time, reflecting our family’s growth and shared experiences. Unpacking and rediscovering these ornaments each year as the tree goes up is a ritual filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a deep appreciation for our family’s journey. It’s truly the heart of our holiday home, a living album of our Christmases past and a symbol of the joy we share.

Well, dear friends, I will leave you with this simple yet festive drink that brings so much warmth and cheer to our home this time of year. More importantly, I am stepping away from the keyboard and social media for the next week or so. My intention is to truly unplug, disconnect, and be entirely present in the holiday season with my husband, my wonderful kids, and all our cherished loved ones. The past few weeks have felt a bit scattered and distracted, with the usual holiday rush, and I yearn to breathe deeply, savor every moment, and fully immerse myself in the joy and relaxation that the holidays offer without the digital distractions. I sincerely hope that you, too, are able to find moments of peace, joy, and presence amidst your own celebrations, embracing the true spirit of the season. I’ll be back in about a week, ready to share a few more thoughts and recipes before the New Year rings in! Until then…

Merry Christmas to you and yours! xoxo